June’s meeting explores the often understated but essential elements that elevate bonsai presentation beyond the tree itself: mosses, ferns, accent plants, and suiseki. These components play a crucial role in creating balance, seasonal context, and visual harmony within both informal displays and formal exhibitions.
The evening will focus on how companion planting and natural materials can support the story your bonsai tells. Members will discuss how to select appropriate accent plants, how to use moss effectively without overpowering a tree, and how these elements change with the seasons. Attention will also be given to scale, proportion, and subtlety.
Suiseki — naturally formed viewing stones — will also be introduced and discussed. Members will learn how suiseki complement bonsai displays, how to select suitable stones, and how to present them in a way that enhances, rather than distracts from, the main tree. This provides valuable insight for those interested in exhibition-level presentation.
Members are encouraged to bring along mosses, ferns, accent plants, suiseki, or examples of display they are experimenting with. This could include planting trays, shallow pots, stones, or photos of previous displays. The evening will include discussion, comparison, and constructive feedback.
Please bring notebooks, reference materials, and any relevant tools for handling plants or display items. While this is not a heavy workshop session, having materials to hand will help deepen understanding and encourage meaningful discussion.
All members are encouraged to attend. For questions about what to bring or how accent planting and suiseki are used in displays, please email chair@redditchbonsai.co.uk or secretary@redditchbonsai.co.uk.
Redditch Bonsai Society (RBS) is a friendly and knowledgeable bonsai club serving Redditch and the wider Midlands. The society supports members at all experience levels through practical meetings, demonstrations, critiques, and themed discussions.
RBS places strong emphasis on horticultural understanding, long-term development, and thoughtful presentation. Meetings are designed to help members improve both the health of their trees and the quality of their overall bonsai displays.
Sessions covering accent plants, mosses, and suiseki help members broaden their understanding of bonsai as a complete art form, encouraging attention to detail and seasonal awareness.
No. This session is suitable for beginners and experienced members alike. It provides a strong foundation as well as deeper insight into refined presentation.
Bring any mosses, ferns, accent plants, suiseki, or display items you have. Photos or examples of past displays are also useful.
The evening focuses on discussion, demonstration, and critique rather than intensive hands-on work, but practical examples will be shared.
Yes. Understanding accent planting and display improves everyday bonsai presentation and deepens appreciation of the art form.
Email chair@redditchbonsai.co.uk or secretary@redditchbonsai.co.uk with any enquiries.
Copyright © Redditch Bonsai Society 2026